Farewell to Rosehill, welcome aboard Sydney Showgrounds

It may seem an unlikely move, to turn ones back on a boat show that over the years has proven itself arguably the most productive regional exhibition in the nation, but the Boating Industry Association of NSW is constantly looking at ways and means to improve opportunities for its members and the recreational boating consumer.

Consequently, 2014 will see the exhibition formerly known as the Rosehill Trailer Boat Show move into the modern facility at Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park. The event will be re-named the Sydney Trailerboat & Outdoor Leisure Show.

This event has grown and remains a critical part of the industry’s annual marketing program. Having nurtured its roots in the early sixties at Silverwater Park, market demand saw it move to Rosehill over a decade ago.

This move to Sydney Showground heralds its next stage of growth adapting to market and industries requirement for more space and a superior exhibition facility.

In keeping with the associations desire to stimulate recreational outdoor activity, the event will maintain its free entry for the visiting public.

The recreational boating lifestyle encompasses a broad audience with a passion for outdoors and healthy living. The media campaign will target these people directly and as such, businesses outside of recreational boating with kindred lifestyle products will be encouraged and welcome to apply for space.

This event, whose roots go back over 50 years has proven to be a stable and effective tool for businesses to connect and sell to the visiting audience. It continues to grow and its popularity is a testament to its effectiveness.

The move to Sydney Showground only strengthens its market standing with first class facilities proving the forum for business to be done. In keeping with tradition, a free gate will welcome visitors to attend. Located close to Sydney Olympic Park Railway station, public transport provides simple and easy access. An abundance of parking in the surrounding precinct and parking stations offers a low-cost parking solution for those that wish to drive.

The marketing efforts will commence early in the new year and intensify in the lead up to the show. As has been the philosophy with all of the BIA organised shows, this event will have a substantial media and public relations campaign, designed around the media consumption habits of the target audience.

The show will operate Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, and it is envisaged that the event will achieve in excess of 10,000 visitors over the two days.

Simply put, BIA General Manager, Roy Privett, said the move to Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park will allow the association to 'further develop the show for our members.'

'We will have more space and a far superior facility to provide us with an opportunity for additional expansion.
'The end result can only be a good one for our industry,' he added.

Mr Privett said the decision to initiate the move had stemmed from the association 'listening to its members.'
'We felt it was time to take this show to its next step,' he declared.

'The new venue will allow us to improve the experience for show visitors as this facility has truly come of age in recent years and has become a thriving precinct with public transport available right to the front door,' he added.

BIA Marketing and Event Manager, Domenic Genua, revealed show dates for next year have been set at March 15 and 16.
A complete exhibitor and information kit is currently being prepared and will be sent to all members on completion.

'I am really looking forward to Sydney Showground, it offers so much more than was the case at Rosehill,' he explained.
'Whilst this event is the little brother to the Sydney International Boat Show, it is no less important to the industry. At Rosehill we had 12,300 square metres of exhibition space, at Homebush we will have 14,400 square metres and that’s all internal.

'There is some exterior space we could use, but at this stage we are thinking of that purely in the sense of décor rather than exhibitions,' he added.

The Association will also be taking every opportunity to capture visitors to the precinct. At 4.40 pm the Sydney Swans will play Greater Western Sydney in the season launch at Skoda Stadium and Sydney Roosters will play the Eels from 7.30 pm at Allianz Stadium. Both facilities are a short stroll from the show.

Many regular Rosehill exhibitors have already given the move a 'thumbs up.'

Alan Blake (Blakes Marine) said he felt the move was 'a winner', for both show visitors and the industry. 'Homebush is a larger facility, all under cover and far superior public transport is available,' he explained. 'Ten years ago, moving to Rosehill from Silverwater Park was an outstanding decision, now I see this move to Homebush as the next evolution of the show and everyone will benefit,' he said.

Jon Hunt (Hunts Marine) described Homebush as 'a welcome change.' 'I am certainly keen as a dealer to give it a go,' he declared. 'Rosehill has been good, but the last few years it has become tougher and tougher to do business, so we look forward to the new venue.

'From an organisational point of view, Homebush also give the BIA the chance to grow the show and who knows, perhaps even partner with related industries. Bring it on!'

The event has been named the Sydney Trailerboat & Outdoor Leisure Show.

According to Mr Genua, several propositions had been considered. The name allowed us to ensure that visitors would understand that the shows foundations were built on trailer boats whilst not alienating the outdoor leisure component.

The Association have decided that this event should have its own web site. Soon to be launched, it will be found at www.MyOutdoorLife.com.au